Hot Air Balloon Rides in Kashmir

IndiaTimes

February 07, 2013

The tourism department in Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Institute of Ski and Mountaineering (IISM) have introduced hot air balloon rides to promote adventure tourism in the valley. The efforts of IISM has yielded the desired result and Gulmarg has become one of the most popular ski destinations in South Asia.

The hill resort of Gulmarg has been summer retreat for the kings, including Yousuf Shah Chak and Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The director of the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, Talat Parvez, said that it would attract large number of tourists who would get an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of Gulmarg.

"In a bid to add new dimension to adventure tourism, we have started hot air ballooning. The successful demonstration took place and we are using it on a safety mode and it has been properly anchored. The pilot hails from Rajasthan and is well trained.

The tourists, by sitting in the hot air balloon, will get to witness a panoramic view of Gulmarg from the sky. We hope that this becomes a regular feature for Gulmarg so that tourists who come for entertainment and who come to see snow should get an opportunity to see the snow covered valley. We are expecting large number of tourists," said Parvez.

Gulmarg, a popular snow sports hub attracts large number of domestic as well as tourists from western countries. It is surrounded by forested hills and meadows, snow-capped peaks and deep valleys have made it a popular filming location for many Bollywood movies.

Another popular tourist destination, Baba Reshi Shrine, which is named after the renowned Muslim scholar and saint Baba Reshi, is situated at a distance of five kilometres from Gulmarg.

Gondola ride, which covers an aerial distance of five kilometres, connecting Gulmarg with Kangdoor in the first phase, and with Apharwat, in the second phase is popular among the tourists.